Am I Ready to be a Mum? 3 Tips on Preparing for Motherhood

Are we ever ready to become a parent? Heck no!

Take a look at these 3 tips on preparing for motherhood – a journey into the unknown.

In the lead up to my due date (10th of November…tick tick tick), a question that I get asked quite frequently is ‘are you ready?’ Now sometimes they mean do I have a cot, change table and all the other necessary furniture bits and pieces for the little human. To which I reply, well I’ve got a pram, so there’s a start! But other times they mean am I ready for the role of motherhood. Have I prepared to take care of an entirely dependent human being? Have I thought about the sleepless nights, the nappy changing, the crying and everything else babies do?
Well, in all honesty, no. I’m not ready at all.

But really – who is? Who can honestly say that they are ready for something of which they don’t have any understanding? The idea of preparing for motherhood is so overwhelming because there is so much I just don’t know. So how can we get ourselves ready for something we have zero control over?

Preparing for motherhood starts at the foundations. Before the breast vs bottle debate, we have to examine our core selves and look at what structures we can install that will instill within us the strength and courage we need to embrace this change.

So here are three ways we pregnant mamas can prepare our souls for the big change ahead:

1. Develop a self-care habit.

We can only give that which we have. Caring for another being can only be done if we first are cared for. Therefore, we must begin to prioritise our needs and start learning what self-care looks and feels like. It doesn’t have to be huge acts, just small things like taking 5 minutes for meditation after a stressful day or setting aside half an hour to doing something completely indulgent. Start setting aside the time now so that when bub comes along, the habit will already be formed. Fill your love cup till its overflowing and your whole family will benefit!

2. Learn to let go of the little things

I’m talking to all of you perfectionists out there. Those of you who like things in a certain way, all lined up in a row, on time etc. It’s time to blur the lines and be OK with the blurriness. Picture for a moment how life would be if you didn’t sweat the small stuff. What does it look like? Pretty darn good, huh? Releasing all hang ups on how things ‘have’ to be gives us freedom to adapt to what is. Letting go of resistance and just allow. Making this a practice will help you to embrace uncertainty and change with open arms. When you find yourself getting caught up in the little things, use this as your new mantra: I am pure calm grace.

3. Asking for help

No woman is an island and honey; you are not expected to do this alone. The wisest words I ever heard spoke were that it takes a community to raise a child. And that’s not just to meet the child’s needs but also to help support the mum. Start preparing for motherhood now by learning to ask for help. Work out who around you is supportive, trustworthy and reliable. Know that it is OK to say ‘hey, I need some help’. Always remember that if the situation was reversed, you would help your friends in need. So allow them that same opportunity to be there for you.

Preparing for motherhood is like crossing a minefield of questions and advice (both solicited and unsolicited). When you have filled your own cup, let go of the small things and rallied support around you, the minefield becomes less scary and you will realise how ready you are to make the transition to radiant mamahood. It’s not that you all of a sudden know how to do everything. It’s that you are ready and able to handle all the ups and downs that are bound to come your way. Remember, the only thing we can control is ourselves. Focus on what you can control (your thoughts, beliefs and actions) and you will feel more empowered to step into the unknown and embrace uncertainty.

I am a passionate life coach & strategies who works with feisty, fearless females, helping them to get clear on their sense of purpose so that they can fall back in love with their lives. Through my programs and one-on-one sessions I help clients get a greater sense of security and certainty about the future, less worry about their bank balance, more control over all aspects of their life, no more confusion, burden or overwhelm and, of course, they smile A LOT more!

For all enquiries, please email: [email protected]

I’m on your team, cheering for you!
Michelle Jack
Connect with me! www.facebook.com/littleaussiecheerleader & www.littleaussiecheerleader.com